1968 Shelby Mustang GT350H Fastback (LHD)

Documented by the Shelby American Registry, this 1968 GT350 has build number 01140 and was one of a number of examples delivered through Stark Hickey Ford of Royal Oak, Michigan to the Hertz Car Rental Company in Detroit, Michigan n the 31st of January, 1968. At the time of the last Registry's publication, in 1997, the car was noted with Mike Pallante of Brick, New Jersey and was subsequently imported to Australia where it has been in use by the current custodian's wife.

Finished in red with black upholstery and fitted with a very desirable Paxton supercharger (listed as an option for 1968), this exceptional 1968 GT350 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine and original Shelby Mustang in Australia. To be sold registered in New South Wales with the cherished plates IGT-350 included in the sale.

For 1968, Shelby production shifted to Metuchen, New Jersey for initial assembly then cars were transported to Ionia, Michigan where Shelby components were added at the A.O.Smith Company facility. The Shelby range for 1968 - now using Cobra name - consisted of the small-block GT350 and big-block GT500, with the addition of convertible versions of either model. Unique styling using fibreglass additions helped distinguish the model from lesser Mustangs, with '65 Thunderbird rectangular taillights and longer grille with inset driving lights adding a purposeful appearance.

Functional side scoops on the side panels and quarter panels plus unique steel wheels and stripes further enhanced the aggressive look of the new model. Inside the Deluxe Mustang interior was augmented by a centre console complete with Stewart-Warner oil pressure and alternator gauges along with a standard roll bar with inertia-reel seatbelts.

Powering the GT350 was a 302-cid V8 with an aluminium intake manifold and Holley carburettor giving 250bhp - if that wasn't enough, a Paxton supercharger could be ordered although very few were so equipped. Power brakes and steering were mandatory options and heavy-duty suspension ensured the GT350 handled superbly. A choice of transmission options was available - either the four-speed close-ratio top loader manual box or C-4 automatic. Shelby built 1,027 GT350 fastbacks in 1968, of which 224 were destined for use with the Hertz rental company and like all Shelby products, is now a blue-chip muscle car.

 

This car was SOLD for $150,000 AUD.

Photos: 302w.com
Source: Shannons Auctions